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THE NEWS ONTARIO NEW HOSPITAL INSURANCE PREMIUMS Nore people in Ontario receive better and more costly hospital care than ever before On the average day some 56,000 patients -- enough people to populate a city -- are under care in hospitals of all types in Ontario. These patients are receiving skilled treatment which has never been equalled in the history of the province. Furthermore, the cost of medically-necessary hospital care is no longer a problem for over/98% of Ontario's residents who participate in their government-spongored hospital plan . . . the plan that ended hospital-expense worries/in Ontario. BETTER CARE--HIGHER COST For many years the jcost of hospital care has been going up steadily, not only in Ontario but also in the rest of Canada and in other countries. Though costly, the advanced scientific facilities and special skills available in hospitals are essential in treating the sick. The quality of necessary hospital care cannot be sacrificed. Since 1959 the average cost to the Commission for one day of patient care has increased by approximately 50%. f WHY COSTS SONTINUE TO RISE 2AM PRICES ARE UP Hospitals, like everyone else, are paying more/ for salaries and wages, food, drugs, equipment, pur- plies and services. j About 70¢ of every $1.00 in hospital costs if used to pay hospital employees. Hospitals, today, have more and better-paid employees to serve more patients and provide essential round-the-clgck care. HOSPITALS ARE USED MORE / Greater use is being made of hospitals as medical science now provides /many new, costly types of treatment which require admission to hospital. These procedures require more skilled/staff, more facilities, drugs and other expensiye supplies. Furthermore, there is no longer a wey barrier ' i i to necessary care, so more people obtain the care they need without being burdened by the cost. Also, there are increasing numbers of elderly citizens many of whom require prolonged treatment in hospital. MORE BEDS AVAILABLE In 1947, Ontario had only 17,473 active treatment, chronic and convalescent hospital beds; in 1958 there were 31,000. Today there are over 40,000 such beds available to insured persons and, by 1970, it is anticipated there will be 47,000. More beds mean more patients, more cost. In addition, insured patients are entitled to care, without charge, in provincial mental hospitals (23,000 beds) and tuberculosis sanatoria (1,825 beds). | ADDITIONAL OUT-PATIENT SERVICES Beginning, July 1st, 1964 fhe following services will be included as out-patient benefits: 1) Hospital visits to fomplete treatment of fractures which were originally treated on an in-patient basis. (Previously; this benefit was only for frac- tures originally treated on an out-patient. basis within 24 hours 'a an accident.) 2) Radiotherapy hospital services/ for the treatment of cancer in clinics of the Ontario Cancer Founda- tion and hospitals approved by the Commission for these services. 3) When prescribed by a licensed physician as a medically-necessary course of treatment and pro- vided by hospitals approved by the Commission: a) Use of physiotherapy and occupational ther- apy facilities where available. Note: Consid- eration is being given to approval of other physiotherapy facilities at an early date. A further announcement will be made. b) Speech therapy where available and provided by qualified therapists for the treatment of an organic illness or injury. Note: The above summary is for your convenience only. For detailed information please refer to the provisions of the Provincial and Federal Acts and Regulations respecting these matters. NEW PREMIUM RATES (Standard Ward Care) Because of continued rising costs, the Provincial Gov- ernment has announced increased premium rates for Ontario Hospital Insurance beginning with the regular advance payment to cover the benefit month of Oc- tober, 1964. In 1961, 1962 and 1963 the Provincial Government prevented, by subsidy, a rise in pre- miums, In those years the Government contributed $125.8 million to the plan from general revenues. It also paid an additional $157.8 million for the care of patients in mental hospitals and tuberculosis sanatoria. Even with the higher premiums the Provincial Gov- ernment must continue to subsidize the cost of hospital care, and the Federal Government's contributions to the plan will also increase as the cost rises. (The cost of the plan does not include the Government grants which are paid to assist communities build their hospitals). Single (no eligible dependants) - - - - - - = = = $3.25 monthly Family (one.or more eligible dependants) - - - $6.50 monthly ONTARIO HOSPITAL SERVICES COMMISSION 2195 YONGE STREET, TORONTO 7, ONTARIO DOT ne RT RN PR AA DL AA NL EPIL EL SLE PLL LD OIE LD SAE ERENT CEN SD TERE I I A a